100 Yen Stores

The reputation that Japan has for being unaffordably expensive is not really accurate, although you might get an impression that it is a very expensive place if you wander around the department stores which are multi-level beautifully laid out and carry every kind of item from household goods to stationery to clothes. However, unless you want brand names which, this is not the right place to shop, cheaper alternatives can easily be found. The best place to buy everyday items Is at a cheap local supermarket (supermarkets also have a large range in pricing, with the ones attached to department stores carrying mainly high quality and gourmet and imported goods. If you walk a little further, down the street or closer to where you are staying, you will probably find a no-frills version. Some popular ones are Fuji, Tsurukame. The hundred yen stores which are dotted around well populated areas are very useful for getting anything from slippers for floors of your new guesthouse, to stickers to reward the kids in your English class, new undershirts or an apron to wear while trying out the cooking of some tempura, the as well as all the saucepans, a large range of plates, bowls, cups and utensils of reasonable quality, knives and tongs and saucepans, washing up liquid, cushions, even games, hair accessories and indoor plants. They almost all belong to a range of popular chains, for example 100 yen Daiso, CanDO, Shop 99, Tokutokuya, 100-yenomn. For a person who hasn’t got any solid plan to stay forever tin Japan, these simple durable goods are probably perfect, and although not everything is actually 100 yen, they are still the best buys you can get.